Confronting Tomorrow's Thirst: Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority Navigates Complex Water Supply Challenges and Divisive Pipeline Proposal

The future of water for Charlottesville and Albemarle County hangs in the balance as the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority (RWSA) grapples with projections of increasing demand and the search for sustainable solutions. At a recent workshop, the authority delved deep into its "Integrated Water Resources Plan," a critical blueprint designed to secure the region's water supply through to the year 2070.

Currently, the RWSA manages a daily supply capacity of 18.5 million gallons.

However, demographic shifts and growth forecasts paint a challenging picture: demand is expected to climb to 19.3 million gallons per day by 2040, and a staggering 23.3 million gallons per day by 2070. These numbers underscore the urgent need for robust, long-term strategies that can meet the community's essential needs.

Several pathways are under consideration, each with its own set of complexities and public implications.

One significant option involves raising the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir Dam, a move that could potentially add 6.7 million gallons per day to the existing supply. Another, more controversial proposal, is the construction of a new pipeline to draw water from the James River, specifically from the Bremo Bluff area.

This ambitious project could yield an additional 10 million gallons per day but comes with a hefty price tag, estimated between $150 million to $200 million for the pipeline infrastructure alone, not to mention the associated environmental concerns.

The specter of past controversies looms large over these discussions.

A previous plan in 2006, which included both dam expansion and a pipeline from Buck Mountain Creek, was ultimately abandoned in 2011 following widespread public opposition. This historical context highlights the sensitivity surrounding large-scale water projects and the importance of community engagement and consensus.

While the James River pipeline offers a substantial increase in capacity, it has sparked considerable apprehension among both the public and some RWSA board members.

Concerns range from the immense financial burden to potential ecological impacts on the James River. Board members, remembering the previous public outcry, expressed reservations about the project's feasibility given its cost and likely community resistance.

Amidst these larger infrastructure debates, water conservation emerges as a universally supported and less contentious component of the solution.

Consultants from Hazen and Sawyer presented scenarios where robust conservation efforts could save between 1.5 to 2 million gallons per day. This proactive approach, focusing on efficiency and responsible water use, is seen as a vital, foundational element of any future plan.

The workshop, which involved detailed presentations by consultants and extensive discussion among board members, did not result in immediate decisions.

Instead, it served as a crucial forum for evaluating the myriad options and their long-term implications. The RWSA’s Integrated Water Resources Plan, once finalized, will be presented to the Charlottesville City Council and the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors for their review and ultimate approval.

The path forward for securing the region's water supply remains complex, demanding careful consideration of environmental stewardship, economic viability, and public acceptance.